American Solutions relaunches 'Drill Here' campaign

By Ben Smith

03/16/11 02:45 PM EDT

American Solutions, the group founded by Newt Gingrich, will relaunch its "Drill Here, Drill Now," camapign today, calling on President Obama to increase offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere, and labeling him "President Pay More" in a new video.

Congress lifted the offshore drilling ban in 2008, but the Department of the Interior has regulatory authority over much of the process.

"Since taking office, President Obama has worked tirelessly to recreate the web of restrictions and bans that forced America to become more reliant on OPEC and less able to control rising gasoline prices. Adding insult to injury, the President’s policies to thwart domestic oil and gas production have killed jobs and hamstrung economic recovery across the country," said Steve Everley, Energy Policy Manager for the group, in a statement.

Rising gas prices are serious a concern for the Obama administration -- as they could slow the recovery and increase consumer frustrations with the economic situation.

The new video suggests as well that the well-funded group is looking to continue as a force even if Gingrich steps aside to run for president.

"The letterhead might change, but our pursuit of common sense center right solutions will not. President Obama will still have to explain to our million members why he is for us paying $5 a gallon," said the group's RC Hammond.